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Zeibekseibeks
Z

Z Zeibeks have a great importance in the culture of Muğla. It eibeks have a great importance in the culture of Muğla. It
is difficult to find information about the origin of Zeibeks.
is difficult to find information about the origin of Zeibeks.
Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, known as Fisherman of Halicarnas-
Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, known as Fisherman of Halicarnas-
sus, called Zeibeks as İbbaki being inspired by the works of
sus, called Zeibeks as İbbaki being inspired by the works of
Herodotus. İbbaki means the fellows of Bakko who is God of
Herodotus. İbbaki means the fellows of Bakko who is God of
wine in Anatolia. According to a second opinion, Zeybek is an
wine in Anatolia. According to a second opinion, Zeybek is an
institution formed by Gazian Oghuzes, who were placed in
institution formed by Gazian Oghuzes, who were placed in
border regions of Anatolia during the reign of Seljuks who
border regions of Anatolia during the reign of Seljuks who
tried to dominate Anatolia.
tried to dominate Anatolia.
Zeibek institution used to have three branches as “Efe”,
Zeibek institution used to have three branches as “Efe”,
”Zeibek” and “Boy”.
”Zeibek” and “Boy”.

Efes and Zeibeks had their own principles and customs:

• Two Efe would never aim gun at each other when they had an issue.
• Efe is the chief of the Zeibek institution. Efe is elected by Zeibeks and Kızans (boys).

• Kızans kiss hand of newly selected Efe and Zeibeks kiss him on his forehead.
• Being a Kızan of an Efe was a serious prestige. Therefore, there were special
ceremonies organized for this purpose.

A Journey to Muğla 101